Device used for awarding a prize based on the outcome of a predicted shot in the game of golf

ABSTRACT

A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot. A payment receiving device, a shot prediction input device and at least one camera are connected to a golf shot control computer. Also connected to the golf shot control computer is an image recording device and a viewing device. An operator views images recorded by the camera and compares those images to the predicted golf shot. If the shot successfully meets the prediction, a prize is dispensed to the golfer. The prize can be cash, a coupon or a physical item. In one preferred embodiment the prize is a new car if the golfer successfully predicts that he will get a hole-in-one.

This invention relates to the game of golf, and in particular to devicesused for awarding prizes to a golfer for successfully making a predictedshot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The origins of the game of golf can be traced back over 500 years agowhen the Scottish Parliament in 1457 recorded a ban on the game becauseit was seriously interfering with archery practice. However, the appealof the game of golf could not be held back and over the years it spreadto England, Ireland, the United States and is now virtually played allover the world.

Golf itself is very old, but improvements in technology continuouslyhave modified the game and improved the game. Golfers of the modern eraare hitting the ball harder and further due to improved golf clubs.Automated distance measurement devices enable the modern golfer toalways know exactly how far he is from the pin. Instructional videos andcomputer swing analysis programs are improving weekend hackers andmaking them better.

However, although technology in continuously evolving, there is stillroom for improvement to make golf more enjoyable for the golfer. Forcenturies, as golfers have approached a hole they have only been able tojoke with one another about the possible outcome of a shot. Maybefriendly bets within the foursome occur and if a great shot is made, thegolfer can brag to his buddies or tell his family when he makes it homeSunday at dinner.

The Internet

The Internet is a large network of interconnected computers that issometimes referred to as a Wide Area Network (WAN). Initially developedby the United States Defense Department, it has expanded worldwide to agreat variety of uses. A significant percentage of the population in theUnited States and in many other countries currently has access to theInternet and its use is growing rapidly.

The Internet is used to advertise products. Many companies have WEBsites and encourage potential customers to “visit” these pages. Creationof WEB sites is a well-developed Internet business with a great manypeople and organizations offering to create WEB sites. Some WEB sitesare static, i.e. there is no interaction between the user and the WEBsite. However, there are many well-known techniques that permit the WEBsite to be made active. These techniques permit an Internet server tochange WEB pages as often as desired and they permit users tocommunicate with a processor associated with the WEB site.

The technology also exists to establish a Local Area Network (LAN). ALAN is a network of interconnected workstations sharing the resources ofa single processor or server within a relatively small geographic area.Typically, this might be within the area of a small office building. Asuite of application programs can be kept on the LAN server. Users whofrequently need an application can download it once and then run it fromtheir local hard disk.

An Intranet is a network connecting an affiliated set of users (usuallylimited to a specific community of interest) using standard Internetprotocols, esp. TCP/IP and HTTP. Intranets, also known as internal Webs,are only logically “internal” to an organization. Physically they canspan the globe, as long as access is limited to the defined community ofinterest. To draw a comparison, the World Wide Web comprises all HTTPnodes on the public Internet. An internal web may comprise all HTTPnodes on a private network, such as an organization's LAN or WAN. If theorganization is a corporation, the internal web is also a corporate web.

What is needed is a way to effectively award golfers a prize based onthe outcome of a predicted golf shot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for awarding a prize to a golferfor successfully making a predicted golf shot. A payment receivingdevice, a shot prediction input device and at least one camera areconnected to a golf shot control computer. Also connected to the golfshot control computer is an image recording device and a viewing device.An operator views images recorded by the camera and compares thoseimages to the predicted golf shot. If the shot successfully meets theprediction, a prize is dispensed to the golfer. The prize can be cash, acoupon or a physical item. In one preferred embodiment the prize is anew car if the golfer successfully predicts that he will get ahole-in-one.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment utilizing Internet connectivity.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred credit card machine.

FIG. 4 shows a preferred input screen.

FIG. 5 shows another preferred credit card machine.

FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment utilizing hard wire connectivity.

FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment utilizing a cell phone forcommunication.

FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment utilizing a Local Area Network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a golfer hitting a golf ball off the tee at the tee box ata par 3 hole. The distance to the pin is approximately 145 yards. Thegolfer is attempting to hit the golf ball as close as possible to pin 4,but with his ultimate goal is to hit a hole-in-one. Prior to approachingthe tee, the golfer opted to gamble on the outcome of the shot by payinga fee via credit card machine 5. Specifically, the golfer bet $5.00 thathe would successfully score a hole-in-one.

In one preferred embodiment, to place his bet the golfer submits a $5.00credit card payment through credit card machine 5. The credit cardmachine is programmed to transmit to a control computer that the $5.00payment has occurred and that the golfer is predicting that he will makea hole-in-one. He then hits the golf ball off tee 6. Video camera 8 ispositioned to get a close up view of the golfer in order to clearlyrecord his swing and the golf club contacting the ball. Camera 9 ispositioned to view the tee box action and pin 4. For example, camera 9views the golf club striking the ball and the trajectory of the ball'sflight through the air toward pin 4. Camera 9 can also view the ball asit rolls towards the pin and if it rolls into the hole. Camera 10 ispositioned near the green and is focused on the pin itself. Camera 10can give a clear view of the golf ball as it rolls into the hole at pin4. In a preferred embodiment, credit card machine 5, and cameras 8-10are each solar powered.

If he is successful in scoring a hole-in-one, the event will be recordedby cameras 8-10 and transmitted to the control computer. At the controlcomputer an operator will be able to verify the golfer's claim that hemade the hole-in-one. After his claim has been verified, the golfer willbe rewarded with a payment. For example, in one preferred embodiment, ifthe golfer bet $5.00 that he would successfully score a hole-in-one, theappropriate prize payment would be $5000.00.

Internet Connectivity, Control and Monitoring

As shown in FIG. 2, golf shot monitor website 22 has been uploaded ontoserver computer 21. Cameras 8-10 and credit card machine 5 are allconnected to the Internet. The connection can be a wired or a wirelessInternet connection. Control computer 31 is also connected to theInternet. Control computer 31 includes monitor 33. An operator is ableto view golf shot images and golfer predictions by looking at monitor33.

In a preferred embodiment, when a payment is made via credit cardmachine 5 information is transferred from credit card machine 5 via theInternet to server computer 21. The transferred information includes thefact that a payment was made and the amount of the payment. Website 22on server computer 21 is programmed to automatically turn “on” cameras8,9,10 after payment has been made. After cameras 8, 9, 10 have beenturned “on” an operator at control computer 31 can monitor the paymentprocess as it occurs. Also, after cameras 8, 9 and 10 have been turned“on” images recorded by the cameras are transferred immediately via theinternet to server computer 21 where they are accessible in real timevia website 22 the images are also stored on the hard drive of servercomputer 21 for later review. The images can be monitored via controlcomputer 31 also in real time and stored on the hard drive of controlcomputer 31.

Preferred Method of Monitoring Golf Shots

In a preferred embodiment, a golf shot monitoring company arranges witha golf course to install cameras 8-10 and credit card machine 5 at apredetermined hole. Preferably the hole is a par 3 hole so that thegolfer would have a chance of scoring a hole-in-one. The cameras andcredit card machine are arranged as described above in reference toFIG. 1. Computer connectivity is arranged as described above inreference to FIG. 2. The monitoring company installs website 22 ontoserver computer 21 and monitors website 22 via control computer 31.Preferably, a human operator is positioned near computer 31. He canreview golf shots reported by cameras 8-10.

Preferred Method for Golfer to Report Hole-in-One

In one preferred method after the golfer makes his payment via creditcard machine 5 a paper receipt is printed out from credit card machine5. The receipt includes a unique transaction ID number and the date andtime of the transaction. It further includes the phone number of thegolf shot monitoring company employee positioned near computer 31. Ifthe golfer hits a hole-in-one, he then calls the phone number of thegolf shot monitoring company employee on his receipt. The employee willthen verify the transaction ID number, the time and date, and thefootage of the shot reported by cameras 8-10. If the golf shotmonitoring company employee determines that a hole-in-one was made, thenthe golf shot monitoring company will issue a check to the golfer.

Likewise if the golfer does not make a hole-in-one, no payment is madeto the golfer and the $5.00 is retained by the golf shot monitoringcompany. In a preferred embodiment, the golf shot monitoring companyretains 15% of the collected payment and transmits 85% to the golfcourse.

Optional Shot Selection

In another preferred embodiment the credit card machine 5 includes touchmonitor screen 37 (FIG. 3). Touch monitor screen 37 is an interface thatallows the golfer to specifically identify the type of shot he is tryingto do. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, after inserting his credit cardscreen 37 appears as shown. If the user wants to try for the hole-in-onehe can touch the top button where a $5.00 payment will result in a $5000prize. If the user wants to try for a shot within 3 feet of the pin hecan touch the middle button where a $5.00 payment will result in a $50prize. If the user wants to try for a shot within 5 feet of the pin hecan touch the bottom button where a $5.00 payment will result in a $15prize. As stated above, if the golfer hits his chosen shot successfully,he then calls the phone number of the golf shot monitoring companyemployee on his receipt. The employee will then verify the transactionID number, the time and date, and the footage of the shot reported bycameras 8-10. If the golf shot monitoring company employee determinesthat the shot was successfully made, then the golf shot monitoringcompany will issue a check to the golfer.

Long Hole Embodiment

In another preferred embodiment cameras are set up to monitor thegolfer's shot on a long hole. Multiple cameras 71-75 (FIG. 6) arepositioned to adequately cover the tee box and fairway. After the golferpays via credit card machine 5, the multiple cameras are turned “on” ina fashion similar to that described above. A prize will be issued basedon the distance the golfer successfully hit the golf ball into thefairway. For example, a shot over 250 yards will receive a $50 cashprize (or $50 gift shop gift certificate) based on a $5 payment. A golfshot over 300 yards will receive a $200 cash prize (or $200 gift shopgift certificate) based on a $5 payment.

Other Optional Prizes

Although it was stated above how the golfer is preferably rewarded witha cash prize having a value that adjusts in accordance with the amountthe golfer paid, it is also possible to reward the golf other forms ofprizes. For example, the golfer could be awarded a restaurant giftcertificate or vouchers for discounted rounds of golf or vouchers forfree rounds of golf.

Other Prizes and Coupons Coupon on Back of Receipt

In another preferred embodiment, the golf course can form a partnershipwith other businesses and for a fee allow the other businesses topurchase advertisement or a coupon to be printed on the receipt printedfrom credit card machine 5. For example, a local restaurant could printa $5.00 coupon on the back of the receipt.

Sliding Prize Payout Scale

Although the above preferred embodiments referred to a $5.00 payment atthe credit card machine, it would also be possible to allow for asliding payment option. For example, for a $1.00 payment the prize for ahole-in-one will be $1000.00. For a $3.00 payment the prize for ahole-in-one will be $3000.00. For a $10.00 payment the prize for ahole-in-one will be $10,000.00.

Golf Ball Included with Game Fee

In another preferred embodiment, the credit card machine 5 includes agolf ball dispenser 53 (FIG. 5). In this preferred embodiment, after thegolfer makes a payment into credit card machine 5 a free golf ball isdispensed from dispenser 53. This may encourage the golfer to try hisluck at making the golf shot.

Automobile Prize

In another preferred embodiment, instead of awarding cash, an automobilecould be given for achieving the difficult hole-in-one shot.

Purchase of DVD of the Shot

In another preferred embodiment, the golfer can purchase a DVD of hisshot attempt from the golf shot monitoring company. For example, allgolf shot attempts are recorded and stored on the hard drives of servercomputer 21 and control computer 31. After his shot is complete,regardless of the outcome, the golfer can call the phone number on theback of his receipt to contact the golf shot monitor company. He canthen request that a DVD be burned of his shot and mailed to him. Or thegolfer can download the video of his shot for storage and viewing on hiscell phone, personal laptop, home computer or other video viewingdevice.

Other Modifications Cell Phone Connectivity

In another preferred embodiment, the golfer can utilize his cell phone93 (FIG. 8) to contact the golf shot monitoring company to make apayment and to predict his shot rather than utilize a credit cardmachine. For example, a golfer approaching the tee shot (FIG. 1, FIG. 6)can dial the golf shot monitoring company directly. Or, if his cellphone has Internet connectivity the golfer can log on to website 22 viathe Internet. He can then make a payment using his credit card number.Or, if he has established an account with the golf shot monitoringcompany he can deduct a payment from the account. The golf shotmonitoring company will then turn “on” the cameras as described above.If the golfer is successful a payment can be made directly to hisaccount.

Golfer Identifies Shot Embodiment

In another preferred embodiment the golfer can identify a shot and thencontact the golf shot monitoring company for payout terms if he issuccessful with his shot. For example, a golfer near the green may be a40 foot chip shot away from the pin. His position is easily viewable viacameras 73 and 74 (FIG. 6). The golfer can contact the golf shotmonitoring company via a direct call or via Internet. The golfer canindicate the amount he would like to bet. An employee at golf shotmonitoring company can review the golfer's position by viewing imagestransferred from cameras 73 and 74. The golf shot employee can thenindicate the prize money percentage to be paid if the shot is successful(i.e., the golfer successfully sinks the chip shot). If the terms areacceptable by the golfer and the golf shot employee, then the golfermakes a payment and takes the shot. If he is successful prize money ispaid.

This embodiment allows flexibility to the golfer and golf shotmonitoring company and could be used on many types of different shots(i.e., the putt, or shot from the fairway). For example, the golfer canpropose a different term such as at 94 yards out the golfer proposesthat he can hit the golf ball so that it lands within 3 feet of the pin.For a $5.00 payment the golf shot monitoring company may offer a prizeof $35.00 if the golfer is successful. Or the golfer may propose a termsuch as at 24 feet out the golfer hopes that he can sink the putt. For a$5.00 payment the golf shot monitoring company may offer a prize of$20.00 if the golfer is successful. As with the earlier examples, allshots are verified via camera(s).

Varying Number of Cameras

Although FIGS. 1 and 6 showed a specific number of cameras, it should beunderstood that a more or less cameras can be used. For example, if onecamera is able to adequately view the tee box and the pin, then onecamera would be sufficient to send verifiable images to the golf shotmonitoring company. Likewise, if the hole is very long, if it's a foggyday, or if there are obstacles or bends in the course, more cameraswould be necessary to cover the action.

Golf Shot Monitoring Company Scope

The golf shot monitoring company can simultaneously monitor multipleholes on a single golf course. Additionally, the golf shot monitoringcompany can monitor multiple golf courses simultaneously. Connectivityis established through the Internet and through phone communication asdescribe above.

LAN Embodiment

Optionally, a golf course may decide that it is more efficient toestablish their own golf shot monitoring capability. In this embodiment,a LAN is established (FIG. 9) and communication is sent via the LAN andthrough phone as described above.

Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described withspecificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that manychanges to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,although it was described above how images from cameras 8-10 aretransmitted through the Internet to server computer 21, it is alsopossible to have a control computer with a digital recording devicelocated (for example, a DVR) next to the actual cameras. In thisembodiment images are recorded directly onto the DVR for later review(FIG. 8). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the golf shot monitorcontrols payment, camera operation, and image verification all fromcontrol computer 87. Therefore, the attached claims and their legalequivalents should determine the scope of the invention.

1) A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making apredicted golf shot, said device comprising: A. a golf shot controlcomputer, B. a payment receiving device for receiving payment from thegolfer prior to the golfer making his shot, and for transmitting saidpayment to said control computer, C. a shot prediction input device forreceiving the golfer's prediction of his shot, and for transmitting saidprediction to said golf shot control computer, D. at least one camerafor viewing the images of the golf ball being hit by the golfer and thegolf ball's motion until it comes to a rest, and then transmitting saidimages to said golf shot control computer, E. a image recording deviceconnected to said golf shot control computer, said image recordingdevice for receiving and storing said images from said at least onecamera, F. a viewing device connected to said golf shot control computerfor allowing an operator to view and compare said prediction to viewsaid images, and G. a prize dispenser for allowing said operator todispense a prize if the golfer's golf shot met said prediction. 2) Thedevice as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device, said atleast one camera, and said shot prediction input device are connected tosaid golf shot control computer via the Internet. 3) The device as inclaim 1, wherein said payment receiving device, said at least onecamera, and said shot prediction input device are connected to said golfshot control computer via a Local Area Network. 4) The device as inclaim 1, wherein said predicted golf shot is a hole-in-one. 5) Thedevice as in claim 1, wherein said predicted shot is a chip shot. 6) Thedevice as in claim 1, wherein said predicted shot is a long drive. 7)The device as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device is acredit card machine. 8) The device as in claim 1, wherein said paymentreceiving device is cell phone. 9) The device as in claim 1, whereinsaid shot prediction device is a credit card machine programmed toreceive the golfer's shot prediction. 10) The device as in claim 1,wherein said shot prediction device is a cell phone. 11) The device asin claim 1, wherein said image recording device is a hard driveconnected to said golf shot control computer. 12) The device as in claim1, further comprising: A. a server computer, and B. a website loadedonto said server computer, wherein said control computer, said paymentreceiving device, said shot prediction input device, and said at leastone camera are connected to said server computer via the Internet. 13)The device as in claim 1, wherein said control computer is hard wireconnected to said payment receiving device, said shot prediction inputdevice, and said at least one camera. 14) The device as in claim 1,wherein said viewing device is a computer monitor connected to said golfshot control computer. 15) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prizeis a cash prize. 16) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prize is anautomobile. 17) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prize is acoupon. 18) The device as in claim 1, wherein the golfer can make aprediction of his shot and make a payment at any time during the hole byutilizing his cell phone to contact said golf shot control computer.